Desiderius erasmus brief biography of james

Desiderius Erasmus (1466-1536) was an influential Dutch Renaissance philosopher. He was both a Catholic Priest and a renowned humanist. His criticisms of church practices lay the seeds of the Protestant Reformation, though Erasmus never subscribed to the direction of Luther’s Reformation and he remained a committed Catholic throughout his life.

“I am a citizen of the world, known to all and to all a stranger.”

– Erasmus

Erasmus was a devoted scholar, rejecting many well-paid positions to continue his work as an independent scholar.

Desiderius erasmus brief biography of james taylor

He wrote influential new Latin and Greek editions of the New Testament; he was also a prolific writer in many other fields, becoming the dominant author of his generation.

Early life Erasmus

Erasmus was born in Rotterdam, 1466.

He was born out of wedlock to a Catholic priest, Gerard and his mother, Margaretha Rogerius. He was brought up by his parents until they died from the plague in 1483. Little is know about Erasmus’ youth; Erasmus himsel